Surprise Chinese launch sends Shiyan-31 experimental satellite into orbit

Published on October 13, 2025
A Long March 2D rocket launches vertically beside a tall, cream-colored service tower at China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. Thick orange exhaust and flames pour from the rocket’s base, spreading across the gray launch pad. The tower bears large red Chinese characters reading “Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.” The sky above is pale blue with scattered clouds, and the scene is brightly lit by afternoon sunlight.

China conducted an orbital launch Monday with no apparent advance indication, successfully sending the Shiyan-31 remote sensing test satellite into orbit.

The post Surprise Chinese launch sends Shiyan-31 experimental satellite into orbit appeared first on SpaceNews.

Continue reading on website
Other news

More layoffs at JPL

October 13, 2025
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will lay off 550 employees this week, the latest round of job cuts at the space science center.The post More layoffs at JPL appeared first on SpaceNews.

Starship successfully completes 11th flight test

October 14, 2025
SpaceX successfully completed the final flight of version 2 of Starship on Oct. 13, performing in-flight tests as the company prepares to introduce an upgraded version of the reusable rocket.The post Starship successfully completes 11th flight test appeared first on SpaceNews.